Casemiro returns from suspension for the Boxing Day clash but the Reds are still affected by injury and Africa Cup of Nations call-ups.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes misses his first league game at Old Trafford since the fixture on 30 December 2024, also against Newcastle.
Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo also remain out, with Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui all in Morocco, representing their respective nations.
Lisandro Martinez takes on the armband and makes his first start of the season, with the Argentina international and could be flanked by Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw, although Heaven could also operate in the middle, as he has recently.